My Life Stamp

As a youth with little a plan,
My dad oft asked,
“What footprints are you going to leave in the sand?”

It meant little then,
But with time,
This became a motivating line.

If up to me,
What will be,
My ultimate legacy?

A legacy for me,
It would seem,
A far off, lofty dream.

After all, who am I?
I’m just average,
Somewhat shy.

Then I realized something you see,
It is up to me,
My ultimate legacy.

Social media, search,
Mobile, and more,
Leave digital footprints on the floor.

Digital shadows,
If you will,
Following all that I fulfill.

My grandchildren and great grandchildren,
What will they see and think of me?
What is my digital legacy?

Will they see that I pursued my dream,
Or that I settled,
For something in-between?

That I lived a life doing things l loved,
Or one filled with,
Should of, could of?

Digital footprints remain for all time,
So I can’t commit,
The ultimate crime.

What is that crime, you say?
It is, of course,
Not seizing the day.

Yes, before I die,
I’d rather fail,
Than not even try,

I will reach for the sky,
Laugh,
And cry.

I’ll cry from joy not sorrow,
Because I lived for today
And planned for tomorrow.

My legacy,
You see,
Is truly up to me.

That’s my view,
But, now I ask,
What will you do?

—Erik Qualman